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Advise on train ride from Rome to Florence

I will be spending a couple of days in Florence and will be traveling from Rome. Can anyone provide some guidance on the fastest train to Florence (EuroStar in Italy)? How about first class vs second class train service (what is the better option)? Do I need reservations ? Cost? Do's and Don'ts? Anything else I should know?

A lot depends on when you're going. We used second class Eurostar service in April and were fine. Rome to Florence takes about 90 minutes on the ES. The cost of the Eurostar ticket will include a reservation, which we understand are mandatory on this high-speed train. I'd guess about US 30 for one way.

I have never had reservations and had no problems. Also, Second class train service is fine--have smoking & non-smoking compartments, which I prefer to the open seating cars. The seats are not as nice as 1st but fine. Luggage is stowed above the seats.

i rode eurostar and it was fine. get your tix at the airport-follow the signs and remeber that 1st class is nearest to the station. you don't want get on the wrong car and have to haul your luggage to a diiferent car-trust me. ask somebody to help you with your seat before you get on the train. check out the accidental tourist chalet-wine tour in florence

You should do a search on train + Italy on this site -- you'll find a lot. One important thing is that you need to validate your ticket before getting on the train. There are machines for doing so at the end of the track closest to the station.

Took a train from Rome to Florence in November and March. I did not have any trouble making reservations at the railway station. To find schedules use www.raileurope and it will tell you the fares and schedule. I have taken both 1st. and 2nd. class and have been satisfied with both on the EC and eurostar. While in the country you can also find special fares such as senior citizen, youth, etc.